February 2025 Update: Celebrations, Progress, and Community Connections

February was a month full of energy, celebration, and important milestones for our city. From Lunar New Year festivities to significant steps in housing, public safety, and economic development, it was a privilege to engage with so many Vancouverites and community leaders. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from this past month.

Lunar New Year Festivities Across Vancouver

The Year of the Snake was welcomed with vibrant celebrations across the city! The Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was a spectacular way to begin the month, even as snowflakes fell. The joy continued with the Spring Festival Celebration Gala, where I had the pleasure of handing out red envelopes and witnessing incredible martial arts performances.

Beyond Chinatown, I was thrilled to join the Victoria Drive BIA, Sunset Fraser BIA, and Mount Pleasant BIA for their Lunar New Year events. Seeing families gather to enjoy lion dances, cultural performances, and support local businesses was a testament to Vancouver’s rich diversity. Thank you to all the organizers who made these events possible!

Honouring Black History Month

February was also a time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Vancouver. The City highlighted Black-owned businesses and the contributions of Black leaders who have helped shape our shared history. Let’s continue to uplift and support these voices throughout the year.

Advancing Housing Solutions

Tackling Vancouver’s housing crisis requires bold action, and the new Vancouver Housing Development Office (VHDO) is a game-changer. This initiative will leverage city-owned land to build middle-income rental housing while generating revenue that can be reinvested into public infrastructure. Thank you to our City leadership team for their hard work in launching this transformative policy. My first-ever op-ed since being elected as a City Councillor was published to provide better information that had been lacking around this signature initiative from this term. You can read it here on this website.

Welcoming the Invictus Games

Vancouver proudly hosted the Invictus Games 2025 kickoff, welcoming 550 competitors from 25 nations. The opening ceremony was unforgettable, featuring performances by Katy Perry, Noah Kahan, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. It was a privilege to be part of an event that honours resilience, recovery, and the indomitable spirit of those who have served.

C-c-c-cold Weather!

We rarely get sub-zero temperatures for long periods in Vancouver, but Winter 2025 brought a protracted period of icy conditions. It didn’t prevent me from rising early for my usual workouts before sunrise, and I had to share an image of my fitness class surrounded by snow and ice!

I’m glad to say that our City teams rallied by expanding shelter spaces, and keeping our main thoroughfares cleared and either salted or brined to prevent slippery streets. I heard from many residents how pleased they were by the City’s road maintenance. Well done, teams!

Community Safety and Public Safety Initiatives

This month, alongside the Vancouver Police Department, we launched Task Force Barrage—a significant new initiative aimed at dismantling organized crime in the Downtown Eastside and improving safety for all residents. Residents of the community and all Vancouverites deserve a city where they feel secure, and we are committed to taking meaningful action to address crime and public disorder.

Continue reading below…

Economic Growth and Business Support

Vancouver is open for business, and this month, City Council unanimously supported measures to strengthen our economy. From small businesses to major industries, we’re working to keep our city competitive on the global stage. I also had a great discussion with North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan about regional economic growth, highlighting the success of the Shipyards District as an example of vibrant city-building.

Strengthening Community Connections

  • Celebrated Chief Councillor Crystal Smith as the Canadian Energy Person of the Year for her leadership in securing Canada’s first Indigenous-majority-owned LNG project.
  • Joined Mayor Ken Sim at the launch of Filipino BC’s “What We Heard Report,” ensuring the voices of Vancouver’s Filipino community are heard and supported.
  • Honoured the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan, reflecting on his contributions to pluralism and unity.
  • Took a trip to Victoria to engage with provincial leaders and even checked off a bucket list moment—sitting in the Speaker’s chair at the BC Legislature! It was also great to meet up with the venerated BC political journalists Keith Baldrey (Global BC News) and Vaughn Palmer (Vancouver Sun).

Promoting Inclusivity and Kindness

On Pink Shirt Day, we reaffirmed our commitment to standing up against bullying and fostering inclusive communities. As Ramadan began, I extended my warmest wishes to Vancouver’s Muslim community, hoping this holy month brings peace and reflection.

Looking Ahead

February was a reminder of what makes Vancouver such a dynamic and compassionate city. From cultural celebrations to policy advancements, it’s inspiring to see the positive change happening all around us. As we move into March, I look forward to continuing this important work and engaging with residents to build a stronger, more connected Vancouver.

Thank you to everyone who made February such a memorable month in our city!